Coal produces carbon dioxide which exacerbates existing global warming.
According to Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences website:
What is Global Warming?
Global warming is the increase in earth’s average temperature. It is caused by high levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases trapping more infrared energy in the atmosphere than occurs naturally. The additional heat further warms the atmosphere and Earth’s surface.
What causes greenhouse gas levels to rise?
The earth has a natural balance of greenhouse gases that keep its temperature consistent. As these levels rise, the natural balance is thrown off which causes the temperature of the earth and earth's atmosphere to rise. Coal plants have a major part in the contribution of the greenhouse gas CO2. Coal burning produces 82% of CO2 emissions in the U.S., but only produces 50% of the energy used.
But what about this “clean coal” I’ve heard about?
"Clean coal" usually refers to something different: namely, the idea that the carbon dioxide produced from burning coal in power plants might be captured and stored, preventing it from contributing to climate change. There are reasons to be skeptical about this idea. Although it is nice that the plants are trying to reduce their environmental impact, the plants are still destroying the earth by digging it up so they can use the finite source of coal. Also, after reducing the levels of CO2 produced, they still pumping tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. This is inferior compared to wind power's ability to produce energy without adding CO2 and harmful greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
How do you know that human factors impact global warming?
If you look at the table below, you will see the correlation between human factors and temperature increase. As we pump excess greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the temperature rises. If you look at the model where they remove human factors, you will see that there is no increase of temperature over time.
As you can see, human factors do have an impact on the environment and it is our responsibility to find a solution that will diminish the negative effects on the earth. With the benefits of wind power, it is easy to see why the transformation from a dirty, coal burning nation to a clean, wind using nation is essential. To see more reasons why wind power is a working solution, click here to see my 'Will it work?' page. Or, click here to see how YOU can get involved!
All US citizens should demand that our country allocate its resources
toward wind power and away from coal power generation.
